A BID by Crewe Alexandra to build a #1.25 indoor sports complex at Nantwich has come up against a stout defence - from nearby residents.

They claim the complex, which would include a dome-like building up to 11 metres high, would be out of place on the suggested site near to the club's training facilities at Reaseheath.

Crewe and Nantwich Borough councillor John Beech, who was at a public meeting called by Alex officials and held in the club's meeting room there, stressed: 'I don't think residents are against the Alex building their dome at Reaseheath but the general feeling is that it ought to be contained within the club's present site, or tucked away out of sight.

'Some have said that they feel it would be a monstrosity on the suggested site, which is on the opposite side of the feeder road to the training ground.'

Around 40 local people attended Monday's meeting, called by the club to outline its plans.

Alex director Jim McMillan said: 'We wanted to keep local people in the picture about what we have in mind. It is fair to say there was some opposition to the plan, particularly the siting of it.

'We want to know what people think, and we will take everything that was said on board, and we will listen to any suggestions the planning department at the Borough Council may have to make.

'After all, they are the ones who will decide whether our application will be approved.'

He added: 'The last thing we want to do is upset local people. Over the past few years I believe the club and the general public has built up an excellent rapport.

'There are several measures the club could take to make the new complex as inconspicuous as possible, and I hope a satisfactory solution an be found.'

The club wants to include a new fitness room, hydrotherapy pool and changing rooms within the new complex to further upgrade its training facilities which are already the envy of many clubs within the Football League.

Club chairman John Bowler says the proposed complex would enable them to provide summer and winter training, and to continue to develop players of the future in 'high quality surroundings'.